ReadOasis Step 3 All the cities of Greece were in grave danger. A vast army, led by the great King of Persia, was coming from the east. It was moving along the sea, and in a few days, this army would be ready to attack. The King of Persia... Read more
Yoshitoshi, Master of Block Prints
B1-IntermediateBNC LevelsCEFR LevelsProtectedStep 2StoriesTimes 1
ReadOasis Step 2 In Japan, there is a special kind of painting called "ukiyo-e." The word literally means "pictures of the floating world." Ukiyo-e are woodblock prints. This form of art is widely known through the paintings of Hokusai, especially his famous "Great Wave." Many ukiyo-e artists left their... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 You are sitting in a nice restaurant. You are about to enjoy an expensive meal with a friend. But then a man sitting at the table next to you starts smoking. To make matters worse, he blows smoke in your face. Why? He doesn't want to... Read more
Momotaro — The Peach Boy (Step 1)
A2-Beginner+BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedStep 1StoriesStory 5
A Story from JapanReadOasis Step 1 Long ago in Japan, there lived a poor old man and woman. The old man often went to the high places to cut grass. The old woman often went to the river to wash clothes. One day, while she was washing, she saw... Read more
A Brief History of Stephen Hawking
B1-IntermediateBNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedStep 2StoriesTimes 0
ReadOasis Step 2 Stephen Hawking is one of the world's leading theoretical physicists. (A physicist studies the relationship between matter and energy in space and time.) Hawking has written many science books for non-scientists. His most famous book is called "A Brief History of Time." It has sold over... Read more
ET and Intelligent Life
ArtsB3-Intermediate++BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedSciencesStep 4Stories 2
ReadOasis Step 4 The film ET charmed the hearts of millions of children and adults. It was humorous and compelling, and it told an inspiring story about love and companionship. In one scene, ET points his finger to the sky, and he says, "ET phone home." This simple phrase... Read more
Little Brothers of the Air (Step 1)
A2-Beginner+BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedStep 1StoriesTimes
ReadOasis Step 1 Many years ago, there was a man named Francis. He lived in a small town in Italy. Francis was kind and loving. He loved animals, especially birds. He called the birds his little brothers of the air. He wanted to protect them and take care of... Read more
The Rabbit: A Traditional Story (Step 3)
B1-IntermediateBNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedStep 3StoriesStory 2
With special thanks to storyteller Hugh LuptonReadOasis Step 3 In the southern territory of Oregon, near the majestic Lake of the Woods, young John Jones was wandering through the forest. As he wandered, he calmly breathed in the fresh air and gazed upon the grand, green trees. Then he... Read more
ReadOasis Step 1(Part 1) A thousand years ago, boys and girls did not learn to read. Books were very hard to find, and only a few men could read them. Each book was written with a pen or a brush. The pictures were painted by hand, and some of... Read more
A Definition of Health (Step 2)
B1-IntermediateBNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedSciencesStep 2Stories 0
ReadOasis Step 2 A doctor was examining a patient. He summed up his diagnosis like this: "You're in good health. You'll live to be 80." The patient answered, "But doctor, I am 80 right now." The doctor replied, "See, what did I tell you?" Health can refer to many... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2(Part 1) A long time ago, there was a man named Cincinnatus. He lived on a little farm not far from the city of Rome. For a time in his life, he was rich. He held the highest office in the land. And he was a skillful... Read more
By Phillip WiseReadOasis Step 1 Philosophy is a way of thinking about the world, the universe, and people. Philosophy is abstract. It’s about ideas and thoughts, such as love, beauty, or truth. But philosophy also deals with the real world. Ethics is a part of philosophy, dealing with good and... Read more
ReadOasis Step 1 Doctor Harlow made a game. On a box, he put a lock. To open the box, you had to open the lock. When the game was ready, Harlow didn't give it to children. He gave it to monkeys. Then he watched what happened. Within days, the... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 What is the Golden Rule? Some people say, "If you have the gold, you make the rules!" But seriously, the Golden Rule is a guide for behavior that we find in almost all cultures, religions, and moral systems. This rule has two basic forms. A negative... Read more
By Cana Short ReadOasis Step 3 Now, you might be wondering, “How can this be a letter from Socrates, if Socrates never wrote anything?” It is true that I do not write much, at least not for others. But I am having my student Plato write this letter for... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2(Part 1) The bell rang. Jim’s things were already in his red book bag, which looked brown under the white lights of the classroom. Zip! Zip! He closed the bag. He stood up and let out a sigh, “Ahhhh.” It was loud enough that other students and... Read more
Music as Medicine
B2-Intermediate+BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsCoursesInvention Step 3AListen!Music Step 3AProtectedSciencesStep 3StoriesTop Picks 2
ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) You are watching TV. On the screen, you see the two strong hands of a man. In his left hand, he holds a book of matches. In his right hand, he holds a single match. With his right hand, he strikes the match on... Read more
Making Work Fun: The Levity Effect (Step 3)
B1-IntermediateBizBNC LevelsCEFR LevelsPublicStep 3StoriesTop Picks 2
ReadOasis Step 3 A manager at a company was interviewing a job candidate. The manager said, “We need a very responsible person for this job. We need someone who can take charge.” The candidate’s eyes lit up, and he responded with great enthusiasm. “Sir, your search ends here! I’m... Read more
The Smartest Dog in the World (Step 3)
A3-Beginner++BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsListen!ProtectedSciencesStep 3Stories
ReadOasis Step 3 Dr. John Pilley felt miserable. For many years, he worked with Yasha. He worked with Yasha as a scientist, but they were also best friends. As time passed, Yasha became very ill. Dr. Pilley tried to help Yasha, but Yasha didn't get better. Then it happened.... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 (Part 1) A library is a building full of treasures. We keep these treasures in books. Books give us knowledge, entertainment, laughter, pleasure, new information, and power to change our lives. If reading is so important, how can we help people read more? Libraries and schools... Read more